Not all websites were created equal. When determining how or if you should use a specific website in your work, run it through the CRAP test. Does the site pass the test, or is it a bunch of...?
- Currency
- How recent is the information?
- How recently has the website been updated?
- Is it current enough for your topic?
- Reliability
- What kind of information is included in the resource?
- Is the content of the resource primarily opinion? Is it balanced?
- Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?
- Authority
- Who is the creator or author?
- What are the credentials?
- Who is the published or sponsor?
- Are they reputable?
- What is the publisher's interest (if any) in this information?
- Are there adverstisement on the website?
Accuracy
- Where does the information come from?
- Is the information supported by evidence?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
- Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
- Purpose/Point of View
- Is this fact or opinion?
- Is it biased?
- Is the creator/author trying to sell you something?
(Devloped by the Meriam Library, California State University, Chico)
